Save Griffith Park – All of It

If you live in Los Angeles, you know there is woefully little green space. But Griffith Park remains a last refuge, an oasis of trails, wildlife and woodland in the middle of one of the densest cities in the country.

Sadly, but inevitably, certain city officials and developers would like to be able to develop it. Parking structures, amusement parks and restaurants all seem reasonable propositions to them. (Because it’s not enough to have digitized advertisements in grocery store checkout lines and billboards and strip malls as far as the eye can see. We must not stop until every last patch of green is covered!)

In response, there is a movement to designate the park — in its entirety — as a historic cultural monument. That designation would prevent any commercial development within its borders. If you believe in this cause and are sick of city officials who prize maximum density (and the money it brings) above all else, then write to Councilman Tom LaBonge and the Cultural Heritage Commission and tell them so. The Commission’s next meeting to discuss the matter will be October 30 at City Hall.

Photo by discarted

Councilman LaBonge in particular is a troubling case. As a man who’s never met a camera he didn’t like, especially when it comes to touting his love and affection for the park, it’s downright scary that he told the LA Times, “This is a park, not a preserve,” and:

“I’m all for designation of buildings and spots of significance in the park, but right here?” LaBonge asked, circling his finger over the dirt trail path one Friday morning, “Would it be something to designate? I’m not sure.”